| There’s far more to preparing properly for a | | | | Samoa. Cruises to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Mexico, |
| cruise ship vacation than simply checking with the | | | | and Central America require them. You should apply |
| cruise line for recommended apparel and going | | | | for your passport a minimum of eight weeks before |
| shopping for the right items of clothing. You’ll | | | | your departure date, but the earlier you apply, the |
| have plenty of other details to see to besides what | | | | better, especially if you’ll be cruising at the height |
| you intend to pack in your luggage, not the least of | | | | of tourist season. You can also speed up the |
| which is ensuring that you have all your paperwork in | | | | processing of your passport by applying in person |
| order. | | | | and paying an extra $35 for expedited delivery. |
| The first item of importance is your identification. | | | | When you have your identification squared away, |
| You won’t be allowed on your cruise ship | | | | you can focus on your other paperwork: airline |
| without a photo ID and proof of citizenship A | | | | tickets; your boarding documents which will include |
| passport will suffice for both, but if you don’t | | | | your cabin assignment and possibly your dining table |
| have one, then your driver’s license and official | | | | assignment (many cruises no let you eat whenever |
| birth certificate (with a raised seal) will work. Even | | | | you like); you luggage tags; you transfers from the |
| your kids will need the right identification. Make sure | | | | airport or hotel to your port of departure; and any |
| you don’t put your ID in your checked luggage if | | | | papers for offshore excursions you’ve arranged. |
| you are flying to your cruise departure point, | | | | Make sure your flight leaves you time to get to your |
| because checked baggage can get lost! | | | | port of departure at least an hour in advance of the |
| The cruise lines don’t set the identification | | | | time you set sail. |
| requirements; the US Department of Immigration | | | | Bring along your health insurance card in case you |
| does. So if you have any questions, call their toll-free | | | | need medical treatment while on your cruise. Pack |
| number, which will almost certainly be included in the | | | | your medications, of course, and ask your doctor for |
| information packet which the cruise line sends with | | | | a spare prescription in case your existing medication |
| your tickets. | | | | gets lost and you need a refill before returning home. |
| If you’re cruising to or in a foreign country, you | | | | Get enough traveler’s checks to cover your |
| will need a passport. You can apply in person for a | | | | estimated travel expenses. Carry only the minimum |
| US passport at a designated Post Office, at different | | | | amount of cash, because all cruise lines will accept |
| probate, state, or Federal courts in your area, or at | | | | either credit cards or traveler’s checks. Before |
| an official passport office, of which there are thirteen | | | | leaving home make sure to give your ship itinerary to |
| around the US. You’ll need an official birth | | | | whoever is looking after your home while you’re |
| certificate and a photo ID, and you’ll also need | | | | gone, so that you can be reached in an emergency. |
| two identical 2? x 2? photos taken within the past six | | | | Most cruise ships now have Internet cafes, so you |
| months. You should have them taken professionally, | | | | can be reached by E-mail if necessary. Also arrange |
| because they MUST be taken with a special camera | | | | to have someone be your contact person at home. |
| if they’re to be identical. | | | | Once all your paperwork is in order, you can begin |
| Where, if you’re a US citizen, won’t you | | | | the fun by heading out to shop for your new cruise |
| need a passport? Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, | | | | clothes! |
| Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American | | | | |